The Bushnell Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for spring while tackling a long-overdue problem: the town's highway decorations are failing, and someone needs to fix them.
At its February meeting, the chamber decided to prioritize funding community events and launched plans for a spring social, a garage sale, and a potential new fundraiser—all while navigating the economic ripple effects of a major local employer's closure.
'We need to fund all community events as much as we can,' the chamber decided, signaling a shift toward supporting Bushnell's social calendar and local businesses.
Holiday Decorations Need Urgent Replacement The chamber faces an immediate challenge: the light-up decorations along Route 41 are aging out. Only four of the original set still work, leaving stretches of the highway dark during the holiday season.
The city has made clear that the chamber is responsible for purchasing and decorating the poles along the highway—a responsibility that comes with a price tag the chamber can't cover alone.
But help may be coming. A city resident has offered to donate funds for new decorations if the city and local businesses also contribute. Holly Brint and Austin Pierce will research the cost and source for replacements.
The chamber also floated a sponsorship model: businesses could sponsor individual poles and have their names displayed on flags or banners attached to wreaths. It's a way to share the cost while giving local companies visibility.
The greenery and bows from this past holiday season are already stored in the basement at Farmers and Merchants State Bank, ready to be removed and replaced.
Spring Events Take Shape
The chamber is moving fast on spring programming.
A Spring Social is scheduled for April 14 at the VFW, where the chamber will spotlight five or six local businesses. The event is designed to celebrate and promote the backbone of Bushnell's economy.
In May, during Play Days, the chamber will sponsor an all-town garage sale. Austin Pierce and Rene Ford are researching whether vendors can set up in the VFW park—a move that could draw more traffic and participation.
Cindy Ridle proposed Mouse Races as a potential chamber fundraiser. Details are still being researched, but the idea has gained initial interest.
Economic Headwinds
The chamber acknowledged a significant economic challenge: ADM will close in June, a move that will have what members called 'a domino effect on the City of Bushnell.'
The closure of a major employer typically ripples through a small town's economy, affecting local spending, tax revenue, and employment. The chamber did not outline specific plans to address the impact, but the acknowledgment signals awareness of the challenge ahead.
In other business news, Archies did not accept a bid that was made on their business, so the property did not sell.
Bushnell Bucks Get Organized The chamber is tightening operations around Bushnell Bucks, the local currency program designed to keep spending within the community.
The City of Bushnell purchased Bushnell Bucks for its employees, expanding the program's reach. The chamber decided to make all future Bushnell Bucks non-refundable— a policy shift that protects the program's integrity.
Austin Pierce is maintaining a spreadsheet tracking when each buck is redeemed, the amount, and fees collected. Rene Ford is in the process of ordering a seal for the bucks, adding an official mark to the currency. Website Updates Underway
Cindy Ridle and Austin Pierce recently received training in website maintenance and are working to update the chamber's online presence. The upgrade is part of a broader effort to improve how the chamber communicates with the community.
The chamber also plans to frame or laminate a poster showcasing products made in Illinois. The poster will circulate among Bushnell businesses before being donated to the Bushnell Historical Society.
Next Meeting
The chamber will meet again Tuesday, March 10, at 5:30 p.m. at the VFW.
